Everglide Bamboo Green vs. Gateron Type A
An in-depth look at the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Type A switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green, a tactile switch, to the Gateron Type A, a linear switch, the differences become apparent. The Bamboo Green is renowned for its clacky sound signature and crisp tactility, appealing to those who enjoy a more pronounced typing experience. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A offers a smoother, quieter typing experience with a sound signature on the deeper end of the spectrum. While the Bamboo Green is characterized by its stepped, high-pitched, and sharp feel, the Type A is more neutral and subdued. Choosing between these switches ultimately depends on personal preference and typing style. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
50g
Bottom-out force
62g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
PBT
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
PBT
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated
Spring
20mm single-stage spring
Housing materials
The Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Type A both have unique housing materials for their switches. The Bamboo Green features a PBT top housing, which provides a neutral sound profile that is neither crisp nor dull. On the other hand, the Type A utilizes a nylon top housing, resulting in a deeper and fuller sound profile that is rounder and duller. While the Bamboo Green focuses on a more balanced sound, the Type A offers a more robust and immersive typing experience.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Bamboo Green and the Type A have their own distinct materials. The Bamboo Green includes a PBT bottom housing, which complements the neutral sound profile of the top housing. In contrast, the Type A utilizes a nylon bottom housing, contributing to the deeper and fuller sound profile of the switch. The choice between PBT and nylon for the bottom housing ultimately impacts the overall sound and feel of the switch, adding complexity to the typing experience.
While the top and bottom housing materials differ between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Type A, both switches offer their own unique sound profiles. The split between the two housing materials allows for a balance between impact and release sounds when typing. Whether you prefer the neutral sound of PBT in the Bamboo Green or the deeper sound of nylon in the Type A, both switches provide a satisfying typing experience that caters to individual preferences. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches comes down to personal sound and feel preferences.
Weight
When comparing the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch to the Gateron Type A linear switch, it is evident that the Bamboo Green requires a lighter actuation force of 43 grams compared to the Type A's 50 grams. This means that triggering a keystroke on the Bamboo Green will feel lighter and more effortless. However, the Bamboo Green has a heavier bottom out force of 62 grams compared to the Type A's 55 grams, providing a more substantial typing experience when pressing keys all the way down. Both switches fall within the medium force range, making them suitable for a variety of preferences. The differences in actuation and bottom out forces between the two switches offer users the option to choose a lighter typing experience with the Bamboo Green or a slightly heavier one with the Type A, depending on their preference for typing feel.
Travel distance
Both the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch and the Gateron Type A linear switch have a travel distance of 4 mm, making their travel distances equal. When pressing down on a key with either of these switches, you will experience the same amount of travel distance, resulting in similar tactile feedback. The consistent 4 mm travel distance of both switches allows for a familiar typing experience, whether you prefer the tactile feedback of the Bamboo Green or the smooth linear feel of the Type A. Overall, the travel distance of these switches contributes to their responsive and comfortable typing capabilities.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Everglide Bamboo Green has an MSRP of $9.67 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Bamboo Green for $7.19.
The Gateron Type A comes in at $4.70 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch offers a high-pitched and resonant sound profile, providing a sharp and crisp auditory experience for the user. In contrast, the Gateron Type A linear switch is neutral and subdued in sound, producing a more moderate and dampened sound when pressed. Both switches offer different sound qualities that cater to varying preferences, with the Bamboo Green leaning towards a brighter sound and the Type A offering a more neutral and mellow tone.
Moving on to feel, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch is described as having a stepped, accented, sharp, and polished feel. These qualities result in a tactile feedback experience that is smooth, refined, and distinct with each keypress. On the other hand, information is unavailable for the Gateron Type A linear switch in terms of feel. However, based on the characteristics of linear switches, it can be inferred that the Type A may offer a consistent and smooth keystroke without the tactile bump present in the Bamboo Green.
In conclusion, the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch stands out for its clacky sound signature, crisp tactility, and distinct tactile feedback. Pairing these qualities with a high-pitched and resonant sound profile creates an immersive typing experience for those who enjoy a more pronounced tactile response and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Gateron Type A linear switch offers a neutral sound profile and a presumed consistent keystroke without tactile feedback. Ultimately, the choice between the Bamboo Green and Type A switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and typing experience. Both switches provide unique qualities that can enhance the overall typing experience depending on the user's preferences and needs.
Conclusion
In closing, if you are someone who enjoys a medium bottom out force and values a clacky sound signature with a crisp and sparkling tactility while typing, then the Everglide Bamboo Green tactile switch may be the perfect choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a slightly lighter bottom out force and a sound signature that leans towards the deeper side of the spectrum, the Gateron Type A linear switch might be more to your liking. Consider factors such as your preference for sound, feel, and actuation force when making your decision between these two mechanical keyboard switches. Ultimately, the choice between the Everglide Bamboo Green and the Gateron Type A will depend on your personal typing preferences and needs.
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